University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Master of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy - part-time

Master of Occupational Therapy

Students must complete 96 credit points of units of study, including:
(a) 90 credit points of core units; and
(b) 6 credit points of elective units, chosen either from:
(i) the elective units listed below, or
(ii) from any postgraduate units offered by Sydney School of Health Sciences or
(iii) by any other faculty in the University.
The course:
(a) full-time over 4 semesters of study, 24 credit points in a semester
(b) part-time of 8 semesters of study, 12 credit points in a semester

Part-time mode

Students wishing to change from part-time to full-time mode must consult with the Course Director in advance before enrolling for Year 3.

Year 1

Semester 1 - Core
OCCP5237 Introduction to OT Theory and Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rebecca Barton Session: Intensive December,Intensive January,Intensive November,Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week Assessment: Discussion board post (20%), fieldwork preparation video resource (20%), final oral exam (60%), Fieldwork assessment (Pass/Fail). Students must pass the practical work components of this unit as assessed on the fieldwork assessment in order to gain a pass for this unit. Practical field work: A minimum of 80 hours Practice Education (fieldwork placement) must be completed as part of this unit of study. Students may be allocated to placement outside of the semesters during semester breaks. Students are required to attend all preparation and debriefing classes and placement sessions to meet the expected overall program requirement of 1000 practice education hours. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive December,Intensive January,Intensive November
Note: This unit of study includes a work integrated learning placement. Students must be aware of and complete all pre-placement requirements.
This unit of study will introduce students to the theory and practice of occupational therapy through on campus learning activities and a fieldwork placement. Students will learn about the concepts and philosophies that underpin occupational therapy professional practice (including models of practice based on sociological, psychological and biological theories), specifically the nature of human occupations and the analysis of occupations. They will also apply this to the occupational therapy process and principles of practice as modelled by therapists in practice. As part of the fieldwork experience students will develop an understanding of the occupational therapy process and develop practical skills in communication, interaction and professional behaviour under supervision. Students will also engage in self reflection to identify their personal learning needs, existing strengths and required capabilities of occupational therapists. The placement experience is completed outside of the semesters during semester breaks.
Select one of the following units.
Note 1: Students with no prior Anatomy studies must enrol in BIOS5090.
Note 2: Students with no prior Psychology studies must enrol in BACH5321.
Note 3: Students without a background in Anatomy nor Psycas an elective.hology must enrol in BIOS5090 in Year 1, and BACH5321 in Year 4
BACH5321 Psychology for Graduate Students

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Steven Cumming Session: Semester 1 Classes: On-line Assessment: 4xonline short answer assessments of 1500wd equivalent length each (4x25%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: BACH5321 is only available to those who have been assessed by the course director as requiring Psychology content. These students will be given departmental permission to enrol in BACH5321.
This unit provides students with an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives, concepts and vocabulary of psychology. Psychology is concerned with the science of human behaviour - how individuals perceive, think about, and behave in the world. It is concerned with identifying how internal determinants (characteristics unique to the person, and part of physical or psychological make-up) and external determinants (physical environment and social context) impact upon the individual. It is also concerned with the way in which people change over time, as well as explaining and predicting what they might do at any one time. The unit aims to position psychology as an essential ingredient in understanding health behaviour. This unit is only available to students who have no undergraduate studies in psychology.
BIOS5090 Clin. Oriented Musculoskeletal Anatomy A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Darren Reed Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr lectures, 2hr practical-tutorial/week Prohibitions: BIOS1168 Assessment: Histology online class quiz (5%), mid-semester practical exam (30%), end-semester practical exam (30%), end-semester theory exam (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces the basic concepts in musculoskeletal anatomy prior to a more detailed study of the gross anatomical structure of the upper limb and vertebral column as they relate to functional activities. Material will be presented in lectures, practical and tutorial sessions and online. Students will also be expected to undertake some independent learning activities. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied; attendance at such classes is strongly encouraged.
BIOS5091 Clinically Based Neuroscience

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jin Huang Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3hr lectures, 2hr practical/week and a small online component Assessment: Assignment (15%), mid-semester exam (30%), end-semester exam (55%) Practical field work: 2hrs/week Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of nervous system organisation and function. Anatomy of the brain and spinal cord is studied using models to understand cortical and subcortical pathways as well as integrating centres that control movements and posture. The physiology component will introduce students to mechanisms underlying signal generation and neural transmission, mechanisms of spinal reflexes, the function of the somatosensory and autonomic nervous system and motor pathways. Tutorials will consist of case studies aimed at identifying simple neural problems associated with sensory and motor systems and are specifically designed for students following professional preparation degrees. This unit includes a few laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied.Practical class attendance for this unit is compulsory.
HSBH5003 e-Health for Health Professionals

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Tim Shaw, Anna Janssen Session: Semester 1 Classes: online and 2x4-hrs face to face workshops Assessment: eHealth Evaluation (40%), eHealth Innovation Challenge (40%), eHealth reflection task (10%), participation (10%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
The aim of this unit is to provide future health professionals with a strong foundation in e-Health on which they can make evidence-based decisions. In particular, this unit will provide students with opportunities to examine:
. How technology affects health care in different Australian health contexts
. Ethical issues surrounding e-Health
. Innovations in e-Health
. How emerging technologies affect patient-centred communication between health professionals, and health professionals and their clients/patients
. Strategies for interacting with patients and clients using different technologies
. Strategies for engaging in multi-disciplinary e-Healthcare delivery
. The relationship between technologies, data and the wider information network
Students will develop their skills in a variety of technologies identified as key e-Health skills for clinicians. Students will create an e-Health delivery portfolio to showcase these skills. This unit will also enable students to be lifelong learners by providing them with reflective learning skills. Reflective learning skills are identified as essential for lifelong learning.
Semester 2 - Core
OCCP5208 Biomechanical and Sensorimotor Strategies

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Bronwyn Simpson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x2hr practicum/week Prerequisites: BIOS1168 or BIOS5090 Assumed knowledge: Musculoskeletal anatomy knowledge Assessment: Viva and portfolio (50%), case report (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Students will develop knowledge and skills required to provide occupational therapy for people whose occupational performance is compromised by biomechanical and sensory motor impairments. A variety of theoretical perspectives used to guide practice will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate performance, design occupation-embedded therapy programs, clearly articulate the theoretical and evidence-based rationale for their programs, and select methods to evaluate outcomes from therapy.
OCCP5218 OT in Home and Community Environments

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Sandi Lightfoot-Collins Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr lecture/week, 2-hr seminar/week Corequisites: OCCP5208 Assumed knowledge: Musculo-skeletal anatomy Assessment: Viva (barrier task) (20%), access audit (40%), environmental modification report (40%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the home and community environments, including the physical, psychosocial and sociocultural components, in which clients perform occupations. These may include the home, neighbourhood shopping centre, community leisure facility, and residential accommodation such as nursing homes and retirement villages. Students will learn to assess the impact of these environments on clients' occupations, analyse activities conducted in these environments and recommend appropriate adaptations and modifications. In addition students will learn about their own environments of practice as they impact on their work. These include team work practice and the politics of home, health and community settings. Students will learn appropriate presentation skills to document home and community environment assessments and recommendations including written reports and verbal presentations.
Textbooks
No specific textbook is required for this unit. Copies of the relevant Australian Standards and other required readings will be within closed reserve of the library, and/or can be accessed through electronic holdings in the library.

Year 2

Semester 1 - Core
OCCP5207 Assessing Evidence for OT Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Anne Cusick Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-hr tutorial/week, 1-hr online lecture/week for 13 weeks Corequisites: OCCP5237 Assumed knowledge: Research Methods Assessment: Clinical Case-study One (35%); Journal Club Clinical Case Study (30%) 2 hour end of semester examination (35%); Continuing Professional Development Learning Contract ¿ information searching skills (zero %); Tutorial Attendance (minimum 10 tutorials) Practical field work: Students will apply appraisal tools in the workshops and tutorials and in assessments Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Knowing how to locate, understand and use evidence in occupational therapy (OT) practice is an essential skill for all OTs. It is also essential for OTs to take their place as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities of practice. In this unit of study, students will learn how to search for, appraise and summarise research evidence relevant to occupational therapy practice. Students will have the opportunity to explore diverse areas of OT practice by critically examining the research and considering the application of that research in practice.
Textbooks
Hoffman, T., Bennett, S., Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-based practice across the health professions. Third Edition. Elsevier. Paperback: ISBN 9780729542555. E-book: ISBN 9780729586085
OCCP5217 OT Assessment and Planning

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Assessment: OT Interview Viva Assessment (20%), group presentation (20%), final examination (2hrs) (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Students will learn to determine and plan relevant occupational therapy strategies to address OT relevant needs of individuals. Students will learn to identify client problems as the clients see them and from different theoretical perspectives. Students will acquire the skills necessary to interview clients, assess their abilities and limitations in performing the daily activities which are appropriate to client roles, determine the extent of the mismatch between what clients would like to do and what they can do. Students will learn to identify problems with a range of clients with the focus being consumer (client) perspectives of problems. Students will learn to determine the appropriateness of, and select from a variety of assessment methods including interviews, clinical observation, standardised and non-standardised assessments and environmental evaluations. They will learn to clearly articulate the conceptual foundation and rationale for their choices.
Semester 2 - Core
OCCP5219 OT in School and Work Environments

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Jo Lewis Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: OCCP5217 Assessment: School: Written client related assessment task (30%) two discussion board posts(20%), Work: written assessment (30%) and participation activities (20%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is divided into material related to work and school environments. The work unit introduces students to the paid and unpaid work environments including the physical, psychosocial and sociocultural components in which clients perform occupations. Students will learn to assess the impact of these environments on clients` occupations and recommend appropriate adaptions and modifications. In addition, students will learn about their own environments of practice and the politics of health and work settings. The school unit introduces students to the occupation of children and students in school settings, reviewing the physical, psychosocial and sociocultural components in which they perform occupations. Students will learn to assess the needs of children and students in schools and to consider the intervention approaches necessary to facilitate learning in schools. Students will become familiar with assessments that are conducted in these environments and recommend appropriate adaptions and modifications. In addition, students will learn about their own environments of practice as they impact on their work. These include teamwork practice and the culture of school settings.
OCCP5238 Developing OT Prof. Skills in Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Merrolee Penman Session: Intensive January,Intensive June,Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week plus fieldwork orientation, briefing and debriefing Prerequisites: OCCP5237 Assessment: Written reports (40%), examination (60%); fieldwork assessments x2 (simulation and practice education placement; Pass/Fail). Students must pass each practical work component of this unit as assessed on the fieldwork assessments in order to gain a pass for this unit. Practical field work: Minimum 80 hours of clinical simulation on campus, embedded in the unit, minimum 80 hours (2 weeks full-equivalent) practice education placement. Students may be allocated to placement outside of the semesters during semester breaks. Students are required to attend all preparation and debriefing classes and placement sessions to meet the expected overall programme requirement of 1000 practice education hours. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive January,Intensive June
Note: This unit of study includes a work integrated learning placement. Students must be aware of and complete all pre-placement requirements.
This unit will engage students in the process of developing professional skills within elements of the occupational therapy process. The unit will explore the integration of personal reflexivity, client's lived experience, evidence-based practice, and clinical reasoning as core capabilities in professional decision-making and the application of client-centred occupational therapy processes. Tools learned in the classroom context will be applied in a clinical simulation program (embedded in the unit). This will provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own professional behaviour and development. A professional placement completed during semester breaks will further allow students to develop and document their ongoing achievement of professional competencies in a range of appropriate practice skills.

Year 3

Semester 1 - Core
OCCP5222 Psychosocial and Cognitive Strategies

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Justin Scanlan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr seminar and 1x2-hr lecture/week Prerequisites: OCCP5217 Assessment: Weekly reading responses (30%), case study (30%) and exam (40%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Students will develop knowledge and skills required to provide occupational therapy for people whose occupational performance is compromised by psychosocial and cognitive impairments. A variety of theoretical perspectives used to guide practice will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate performance, design occupation-embedded therapy programs, clearly articulate the theoretical and evidence-based rationale for their programs, and select methods to evaluate outcomes from therapy
OCCP5239 Community Based OT Fieldwork

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Meryl Lovarini, Ms Narelle Oste Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5 x 3-hr workshops , 4 x 3-hr supervision sessions Prerequisites: OCCP5237 and OCCP5238 Assessment: Project Specification Brief (Formative assessment), Professional Development Report 1 (40%) Professional Development Report 2 (60%). Students must also submit their final project to the community partner and teaching staff, maintain a fieldwork hours log and submit a WHS Checklist and completed Community Partner Verification Form. Practical field work: Students are required to complete a minimum of 200 practice education hours over the semester. Students are required to attend all preparation and debriefing classes and placement sessions to meet the expected overall programme requirement of 1000 practice education hours. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: This unit of study includes a work integrated learning placement. Students must be aware of and complete all pre-placement requirements.
Students will work in teams to develop and implement a structured self-directed fieldwork project over the course of the semester in partnership with a community organisation. Student teams will be supported to work independently and attend regular peer and academic supervision sessions on-campus. The project will focus on enabling participation within diverse communities relevant to OT practice. In this unit study students will develop project management skills, demonstrate their application of professional reasoning and develop competency in four key OT enablement skills.
Textbooks
Dwyer, J., Liang, Z., Thiessen, V. and Martini, A. (2013). Project management in health and community services (2nd ed.). Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Semester 2 - Core
OCCP5240 Implementing Skills in OT Prof Practice

Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Merrolee Penman Session: Intensive July,Intensive March,Intensive October Classes: 8 x 2 hour workshops (intensive mode) Prerequisites: OCCP5237 and OCCP5238 and OCCP5239 and OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5219 Assessment: In-class reading responses (60%), 2-hr written examination (40%), Fieldwork assessment (Pass/Fail). Students must pass the practical work component of this unit as assessed on the fieldwork assessment in order to gain a pass for the unit. Practical field work: Practice education placement 36hrs/week for 7 weeks. Students may be allocated to placement outside of the semesters during semester breaks. Students are required to attend all scheduled sessions to meet the expected requirement of 1000 fieldwork hours. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive March,Intensive October
Note: This unit of study includes a work integrated learning placement. Students must be aware of and complete all pre-placement requirements.
An extended fieldwork placement and intensive on-campus study provides students with the opportunity to consolidate, apply, and further develop their knowledge of occupational therapy practice, with a focus on graduate capabilities. Enabling participation lies at the core of all occupational therapy practice and students will have the opportunity to implement, monitor, and evaluate a range of strategies for an agreed caseload. As members of different interdisciplinary teams, students will have opportunities to engage in formal and informal inter-professional learning. This unit enables students to continue to build on learning gained through OCCP5237, OCCP5238 and OCCP5239 through the participation in a seven-week, supervised 36hr/week placement in a professional service setting.
and either
OCCP5241 Evaluation of OT Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Meryl Lovarini Session: Semester 2 Classes: Self-directed weekly activities and on campus workshops scheduled around professional practice placements. Prerequisites: OCCP5207 and OCCP5217 and OCCP5237 and OCCP5238 Corequisites: OCCP5240 Assessment: Written assignment (40%), Evaluation plan (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit of study provides students with the opportunity to gain skills in evaluating occupational therapy interventions and occupational therapy outcome measures relevant to practice. Both types of evaluation are core competencies identified by the national professional body. Students will apply their developing research and inquiry knowledge and skills from OCCP 5207 to an evaluation of an intervention and an outcome measure of relevance to their fieldwork experience. Students will develop skills in identifying appropriate goals that relate to the assessment of client outcomes and to the evaluation of an intervention program, and how to measure change to evaluate the degree of achievement of these goals. Students will need to locate and critique relevant literature, and determine practice issues associated with the evaluation of occupational therapy practice.
or select Research Stream
HSBH5005 Research Project Elective

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Mackenzie Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr tutorial/week for 13 weeks, Individual supervision with allocated supervisor Assessment: Presentation of research proposal (20%), Research proposal (60%), Ethics assignment (20%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: A minimum WAM of 65 is required to be eligible to enrol in this unit of study, higher WAM's may apply to some disciplines of study
Students will undertake a supervised research project in an area relevant to their discipline. This unit is designed to assist students with the development of a research question, a systematic literature review and research proposal, and any ethics applications that may be applicable to their individual research topics. Students will develop an understanding of the strengths of different research methods and be able to provide a rationale for the methodology selected for their research question. Students will effectively communicate the aims, methods and implications of their proposed research.

Year 4

Semester 1 - Core
OCCP5228 Enabling Occupation with Communities

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Josephine Gwynn Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-hr workshop/week, 1-hr tutorial/week for 13 weeks Prerequisites: OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5219 Assessment: Written critical reflexivity report (30%), written paper (40%), 3 x preparatory reading Quizzes (10% each; total 30%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit engages and challenges students to develop their understanding and application of occupational therapy practice in community contexts. Students will expand their understanding of the links between health promotion, wellness, and occupations of communities. Students will apply community development tools and strategies through learning activities to expand their role as occupational therapists from working with individuals, families, and caregivers to working with agencies, organisations, and communities. WFOT Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists require critical reflexivity to develop knowledge, confidence, and the ability to work within a human rights framework. Therefore, students will: (a) examine cultural awareness, sensitivity, and safety; (b) critically appraise expressions of occupational (in)justice and; (c) apply a human rights framework to recognise and address inequity and enable occupations and well-being of communities.
Note: Students without a background in Psychology must enrol in the following unit:
BACH5321 Psychology for Graduate Students

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Steven Cumming Session: Semester 1 Classes: On-line Assessment: 4xonline short answer assessments of 1500wd equivalent length each (4x25%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: BACH5321 is only available to those who have been assessed by the course director as requiring Psychology content. These students will be given departmental permission to enrol in BACH5321.
This unit provides students with an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives, concepts and vocabulary of psychology. Psychology is concerned with the science of human behaviour - how individuals perceive, think about, and behave in the world. It is concerned with identifying how internal determinants (characteristics unique to the person, and part of physical or psychological make-up) and external determinants (physical environment and social context) impact upon the individual. It is also concerned with the way in which people change over time, as well as explaining and predicting what they might do at any one time. The unit aims to position psychology as an essential ingredient in understanding health behaviour. This unit is only available to students who have no undergraduate studies in psychology.
Semester 1 - Elective
Select either the following Research stream unit:
HSBH5006 Research Elective Dissertation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Lynette Mackenzie Session: Semester 2 Classes: Individually negotiated supervision time with allocated supervisor 1x 2-hr hour tutorial for 7-13 weeks (discipline dependent) Prerequisites: HSBH5005 Assessment: Seminar presentation of research findings (20%), Research manuscript (80%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: A minimum WAM of 65 is required to enrol in this unit of study, higher WAM's may apply in some disciplines.
Students will undertake a supervised research project in an area relevant to their discipline. Upon completion of this unit, students will have implemented data analysis and reported on an approved research project and submitted a report suitable for publication in a peer reviewed publication describing the project and its implications. Students will develop an understanding of the strengths of different data analysis techniques and be able to defend their research project results in written and verbal format.
or choose one elective from the list below:
OCCP5145 Research Elective Independent Study

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Lynette Mackenzie Session: Semester 1 Classes: Independent learning Prerequisites: OCCP5207 Assessment: written assignment (100%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Students will undertake a supervised research project in an area relevant to the discipline of occupational therapy. This unit is designed to assist students with the development and completion of an independent research study usually in the form of a structured / focused literature review on a specific topic. Students will develop an understanding of the strengths of different evidence relating to their topic and will develop their skills in critical review. Students will effectively communicate the aims, methods, findings and implications of their project in a written assignment.
Textbooks
Course notes and readings provided dependent on the research topic
OCCP5235 Stroke Rehabilitation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Margaret McGrath Session: Semester 1 Classes: 8 x 2 hour seminars and a series of online lectures Assessment: Online Quiz (30%), Participation in 8 seminars (10%), Written exam (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit provides the opportunity for health professionals from any background to increase their knowledge and experience of stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this unit is to develop student understanding of the long-term nature of stroke recovery and rehabilitation after stroke. Topics will include stroke epidemiology, brain plasticity, person-centred goal setting, mobility, travel and driving, upper limb and cognitive retraining, communication, mood changes and self-management.
OCCP5245 OT in Learning and Co-ord Difficulties

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Chapparo Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3hr lecture/week Prerequisites: OCCP5219 Assessment: portfolio reflection paper 3000wd (40%), two case based reports 5000wd (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will give opportunities for students to study the impact of learning disabilities on children's home and school occupational performance. During the semester, students will study: various explanations learning disorders; common assessment procedures used by occupational therapists to identify problems; and interventions. The focus will be on direct intervention as experienced in private practice occupational therapy for children and consultation with schools. Students will be required to test at least one young child (typical child, rather than child with difficulties) aged between 5 and 9 years.
OCCP5246 OT in Work Injury Prevention and Rehab

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Jo Lewis Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Prerequisites: OCCP5219 Assessment: Work Health and Safety Portfolio (50%), Rehabilitation Report (30%), Case Conference Viva (20%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will give students the opportunity to advance their assessment, intervention and professional communication in the area of workplace health and safety, rehabilitation and other areas of private practice, where there is a strong focus on client and customer centred services. Students will practice work health and safety assessments through hazard identification, risk assessments and development of an intervention plan in an industry. In this unit, students will conduct a functional assessment, as well as develop their communication skills, needed to negotiate and collaborate with other health professionals and stakeholders in this area of practice. Students will also refine their written communication skills to be able to produce professional reports. In all areas of this unit, there will be a focus on students articulating their clinical reasoning and justification in decision making.
OCCP5247 Mental Health Interventions

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Nicola Hancock Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3hr workshop style lecture, weekly, online independent preparation tasks. Assessment: Ten in-class quizzes (30%), written assessment (70%) and attendance requirements Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This elective unit will extend students' knowledge and skills in occupational therapy mental health practice. A large experiential learning component will build student confidence in working collaboratively with people living with mental illness to identify their needs and to use both occupational therapy specific and generic mental health strategies to support their mental health recovery. In line with current state and national directions, the unit will focus on trauma-informed care, well-being and recovery-oriented practice. We will cover adolescent, youth and adult mental health practice across acute, rehabilitation, community and forensic contexts.
OCCP5248 People with Intellectual Disability

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Kim Bulkeley Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr lecture/tutorial per week Assessment: Reading responses (27%), open book quiz (28%), fieldwork project report (45%) Practical field work: Small group fieldwork project Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit aims to develop students' knowledge, skill and attitudes about people with intellectual disability, with a focus on participation and support needs. Students will study three modules: Module 1 - Foundational concepts including: conceptions of disability; advocacy; empowerment; person centred approaches; individualised supports; policy; and legislation. Module 2 - Strategies and techniques for support: Active support; skill development; visual communication; person/environment fit; and goal setting. Module 3 - Lifespan and contextual perspectives: Children, young people and families; inclusive education; transition from school; employment; end of life supports; rural issues; and cultural perspectives. Classroom teaching will be supported by a small-group fieldwork project.
OCCP5249 Professional Elective - General

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Lynette MacKenzie Session: Semester 1 Classes: Classes/modes of delivery will vary depending on the topic chosen Assessment: Two to three pieces of assessment equivalent to 6 credit points and attendance requirements (100%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will present a topic for a professional elective that allows students to explore an area of OT practice in depth. The specific topic to be explored will be determined from time to time as teaching staff, visiting scholars and resources are available. The unit taught will extend the learning students have achieved in the relevant content area in previous years of the course, and will require an increase in the depth of student understanding of this topic.
OCCP5250 OT in Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3-hr lecture/tutorial per week Prerequisites: (BIOS1168 or BIOS5090) and OCCP5207 and OCCP5208 and OCCP5217 Assessment: Orthotic mastery demonstration and experiential report (50%), Case study report (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Weekly attendance is mandatory
Students will develop the knowledge and skills required to provide intervention for people whose impaired hand and upper limb capacity impacts on their ability to carry out needed or desired daily tasks and routines. Causes of impairments include disease, disorders and conditions that affect the peripheral and central nervous system, bones and joints, and connective tissues. Skills developed will include orthotic prescription and fabrication, task-embedded joint mobility and muscle strengthening methods and use of oedema and scar management techniques. Students will learn to clearly articulate the theoretical and evidence-based rationale for interventions selected.
OCCP5251 Technology for Living

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminarl/wk Prerequisites: OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5219 Assessment: 1 x 3000wd written workbook (30%), 15 minute Viva (20%) and 1x3000wd case report (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
It is becoming increasingly important for occupational therapists to be 'tech-savvy' in order to address client goals and facilitate independence and participation. Modern technology can support the independence of people with disabilities in important tasks such as work, study, communication and connecting with others, recreation, living safely and managing a household. This unit will explore the ways that modern electronic technologies such as computers, iPads and tablets, and telephones can be accessed and used by people of all ages with various disabilities. It will also explore technologies that enable people with disabilities to control their environment, such as operating entertainment systems, doors, lights, windows and emergency call systems. The unit will be practical and skills-based, involving demonstrations and hands-on use of technologies, real-life case studies and guest speakers. The theoretical underpinnings of this area will also be examined, by exploring relevant conceptual frameworks, assessment tools, and recent literature. The unit provides a foundation for students wishing to specialise in this area of practice. It will also provide students with skills that can be applied to clients in many areas of practice, as well as providing information on resources and referral to specialised services.
Note: Electives may also be chosen from units of study list offered by the Sydney School of Health Sciences
Semester 2 - Core
OCCP5242 Reflexivity and OT Professional Practice

Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Merrolee Penman, Session: Intensive March,Intensive November,Intensive October Classes: 2x2hr tutorial-workshops; 1x2hr self-directed learning activities 1x2hr briefing and debriefing for fieldwork (intensive mode) Prerequisites: OCCP5237 and OCCP5238 and OCCP5239 and OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5219 Corequisites: OCCP5240 Assessment: Individual written assessment 1 (30%), individual written assessment 2 (70%), Fieldwork assessment (Pass/Fail). Students must pass the practical work component of this unit as assessed on the fieldwork assessment in order to gain a pass for the unit. Practical field work: Practice education placement 40hrs/week for 8 weeks. Students may be allocated to placement outside of the semesters during semester breaks. Students are required to attend all scheduled sessions to meet the expected requirement of 1000 fieldwork hours. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive March,Intensive November
Note: This unit of study includes a work integrated learning placement. Students must be aware of and complete all pre-placement requirements.
This unit includes an extended fieldwork placement and on-campus workshops to provide students with an opportunity to consolidate, apply and extend their knowledge of occupational therapy practice, with a focus on the range of competencies identified by OT Board of Australia needed to become a novice practitioner. This final fieldwork placement experience is focused on students developing independence and autonomy demonstrating the ability to manage a caseload approximating up to 80% of that expected of a new graduate in that specific position. Students will incorporate their fieldwork experiences into an exploration of reflexivity as a core capability in professional practice. . This unit enables students to continue to build on learning gained through OCCP5237, OCCP5238, OCCP5239 and OCCP5240 through the participation in a eight-week, supervised 40hr/week placement in a professional service setting.